Introduction:
The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Government of India, launched the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in January 2019 as a comprehensive, long-term, time-bound strategy to tackle air pollution across the country.
The NCAP aims to reduce PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations by 20% to 30% by 2024, with 2017 as the base year for comparison.
Recently, the Centre revised this target to a 40% reduction in particulate matter concentrations by 2026 for cities covered under the NCAP.
Body:
Objectives of NCAP:
Stringent Implementation:
- Enforce strict measures for the prevention, control, and abatement of air pollution.
- Example: Implementing stricter emission norms for industries and vehicles.
Enhanced Air Quality Monitoring:
- Develop an extensive and efficient ambient air quality monitoring network nationwide to ensure a comprehensive and reliable database.
- Example: Setting up additional Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) in major cities.
Public Awareness and Capacity Building:
- Promote public awareness and enhance capacity-building measures, including data dissemination and public outreach programs to foster inclusive public participation.
- Example: Conducting awareness campaigns on the health impacts of air pollution and the importance of reducing emissions.
Conclusion:
The acceptable annual standard for PM2.5 is 40 micrograms per cubic meter. PM2.5 particles are fine inhalable particles, generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller, posing significant health risks.
Under NCAP, city-specific action plans have been formulated, incorporating measures such as strengthening the air quality monitoring network, reducing vehicular and industrial emissions, and increasing public awareness.
The NCAP emphasizes a collaborative and participatory approach, involving coordination between relevant Central ministries, state governments, local bodies, and other stakeholders to address all sources of pollution effectively.